Radio Station Emphasizes Arts, Culture in Lubbock Area

When Texas Tech University President M. Duane Nellis has time to listen to the radio, his dial is usually set to Texas Tech’s Public Media (TTPM) radio station KTTZ-FM 89.1.

From classical music and movie scores to National Public Radio (NPR) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), KTTZ provides an array of talk radio and music for the South Plains area and beyond.

The station, which began in 1987, reaches more than 70,000 listeners in addition to its Internet audience with its HD2 and HD3 channels (playing NPR and BBC networking 24/7) through iTunes and Windows Media.

“Texas Tech Public Media is a great asset to this university,” Nellis said. “With a great outreach through radio, we are able to provide intellectual art and culture with classical music, and news through NPR and the BBC networks from right here on campus.

“I’m a personal fan of KTTZ radio, and it’s the station you will most often find me listening to.”

The station makes a strong effort to keep its music local. Station manager Clint Barrick, an alumnus of Texas Tech’s School of Music and a classical pianist, purposely selects classical music from the Lubbock area to promote the local culture.

“I believe that public radio is essential to the life of a university, and I also believe that public radio is essential to the arts and cultural life of a community,” Barrick said. “It’s what we do, it’s our passion. That’s why Texas Tech Public Media is so important.”

The station also provides news and updates about Texas Tech with its newest addition “Inside Texas Tech,” a four-minute show on Wednesday mornings and afternoons about what’s happening on campus.

“Texas Tech Public Media is one of those hidden gems on campus, but we have had so many great supporters over the years who have helped keep this going,” said Robert Giovannetti, director of TTPM. “Thankfully with the support from President Nellis, we continually have been able to provide radio, right here in Lubbock.”

After celebrating its 25^th anniversary last year, Giovannetti is excited about the future of TTPM, and said the radio station wants to provide an increased amount of local programming, while continuing to provide intellectual art and culture through classical music.

“We have had great supporters over the years,” Giovannetti said. “Their continued support has enabled us to do many things. We are a strong part of this community, and we will continue to be through our local programming. That’s what makes this station so special.”